Rocco was long gone, and I decided to stay by the lagoon. Thinking about what happened between Rocco and me makes me hot and blush. I don't know what came over me, but the intense feeling I felt last night was something I've never experienced before—an addictive, sensual high. However, I also feel guilt. Why am I thinking about Gideon? My heart aches just thinking about what he will think of me now. Why does it feel like I failed him? I feel so ashamed—why did I strongly decline Gideon, only to give in so easily to Rocco?
Tears start rolling down my cheeks. I am so confused. What is Gideon to me? What is Rocco to me? Is it normal to feel this way? I can't even face Theo.
As I was deep in thought, I heard movement from the lagoon toward the bushes.
I looked toward the sound and saw a water snake. It noticed me.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I was just passing by… did I disturb you in any way?" the water snake asked.
Did the water snake just talk to me? Is he one of the monsters and beasts that roam this world? He's way too small to be a morphing beast. The water snake slowly approached.
"You seem stressed. Are you okay? Do you need someone to talk to? Maybe I can help?" the water snake asked.
What a nosy creature, I thought. "I'm sorry, but I'm okay, and I don't really like sharing things with strangers," I declined politely.
"I see. You aren't from around here, are you? Do you need help getting back home? Maybe I can offer my help," the water snake continued.
For a moment, I wondered what the water snake was offering. He knew I wasn't from here—and when he said return back home, did he mean my world? I was about to ask him more questions when I saw Chance quickly approaching.
"Sienna, who are you talking to?" Chance asked.
"Oh, there was a water snake…" I pointed, but it had disappeared.
"Huh?" Chance frowned briefly. "Anyway, the boss ordered me to take you to see the pods of whales in their feeding grounds. He said he wants to grant your other wish—to swim with the whales. He'll meet us there."
I wanted to ask if Theo could come, but I think it's better if he doesn't see me. Knowing him, he might sense that I bonded with Rocco. I don't want him to feel betrayed—or that I failed him. I decided to leave without him. I will face him once I get back.
As we left the kingdom, I thought I heard a howl that made me stop and look back.
"Theo?" I whispered.
Chance stopped me. "Those were seals. Maybe some of the kids' parents are nearby."
I believed him and continued.
Chance transformed into a giant mako shark. When he told me to hold on tight, I did—especially since mako sharks are the fastest sharks in the sea.
After a while, we arrived at the feeding grounds. Gray whales and whale sharks surrounded the area, moving gracefully through the water. Chance morphed back into his human form, unusually alert.
"Chance, is everything okay? You seem restless," I asked.
"Yes, everything is fine," he replied, forcing a smile. "It might be quite a wait. Do you want to do something while we wait?"
"Is it okay if I go for a swim?" I asked. He didn't hesitate—he just let me.
I wanted to clear my head. To think about how I would tell Theo about my bond with Rocco. Just thinking about it crushed me. Will he think I'm no longer his friend? And Gideon—will he get hurt? Of course he will, Sienna. What kind of stupid thought is that?
I swam and swam. The waters were calm, and I floated weightlessly. It felt like I could stay here forever and drown all my sorrows.
As I looked up at the clear blue sky, I noticed birds flying overhead. At first, I didn't mind, but their calls grew louder. A flock started circling.
Then suddenly—I was snatched.
"Aah! Chance, help me!" I screamed.
I was lifted into the air by massive claws. I struggled, kicking and fighting.
"Let me go!" I shouted, but the tighter I fought, the tighter the grip became.
We flew higher. Chance transformed into a shark and chased after us, but he couldn't keep up. Soon, I couldn't see him—or the feeding grounds—anymore.
I gave up struggling.
The avian beast carried me to high ground. From the thinning air, I knew we had reached a mountain. We landed at the very top, surrounded by nests and jagged stone.
He gently set me down and transformed. His transformation was mesmerizing. His face was angelic yet dangerous. Yellow eyes sharp and focused. Silver-white hair flowing freely. His presence was overwhelming.
"Your Majesty, what did you bring now?" a sultry voice asked.
"Something precious owned by the Sea King," he replied, lifting my chin.
"Oh no, Your Majesty. You will anger the Sea King," another harpy warned.
"That will teach him," he said coldly. "He was greedy and rich—missing one treasure won't hurt him."
"But what makes you think that thing is a treasure?" another harpy scoffed.
"His right hand was guarding it," he answered.
Wait—why are they calling me a thing? I snapped out of my terrified amusement and found my voice.
"Excuse me. I am not a THING! I have a name, it's Sienna, and I am not—" I paused. I couldn't deny it anymore. I was Rocco's. I glanced at the wave symbol on my ankle. I was his treasure—he said it himself. I ended up shutting my mouth and hugging myself miserably.
Then, the rock the harpies were clinging to started moving. A deep, loud yawn came from what wasn't a rock, but a massive man with curling ram horns. His chest was powerfully built, his face handsome, with broad shoulders and impressive height. He reminded me of a handsome ox or bull.
"What's all the noise, Talon?!" he grumbled in a deep, low voice as he yawned again.
"Oh, nothing! The ladies were just curious about what I brought from the sea," Talon boasted.
The ram-looking man stared at me for a long moment, then simply curled up again and went back to sleep.
What in the world am I going to do now? I was moving further and further away from where I started. Will Rocco come for me? What about Theo, the children, and Gideon? I looked at my various marks—on my body, on the back of my hand near my thumb, a new word appeared "HUMILITY."
I wonder why...